Alessandra Marasco, Barbara Balbi; Institute for Research on Innovation and Services for Development, National Research Council of Italy

 

 

Abstract

 

Virtual reality offers significant opportunities for inclusive tourism, especially at heritage destinations where full accessibility is often limited by site characteristics or conservation issues. This study applies a user-centric methodology for the design of accessible heritage tourism experiences through virtual reality, with a focus on visitors with mobility impairments. It addresses the early-stage design research aimed to understand the needs and expected core elements of digital accessible experiences from visitors’ perspective. Through a multimethod explorative research, personas and scenarios are developed to inform the subsequent co-design of virtual reality solutions along the visitors’ journey. Methodological and practical implications are discussed.

 

 

Keywords

 

tourism experience design; accessible tourism; virtual reality; heritage tourism; User-Centred Design

 

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